various sizes and power. At the king's command, the Audiencia furnish
(July 11) a statement of the aim, scope, and labors of the charitable
confraternity, La Misericordia, at Manila. It has one hundred and
fifty brethren; they have established and maintained a hospital for
women and a ward therein for slaves, besides their principal labors
for the succor of the poor and needy of all classes. They provide
food and water for the poor prisoners, aid to the inmates of Santa
Potenciana, and homes for orphan boys; and assist many transient
persons. They also settle many quarrels and reclaim dissolute persons.

The question of restricting trade between the Spanish colonies is
discussed by the Council of the Indias (December 18, 1607); they think
it necessary to restrict trade to some extent, but hesitate to take
too vigorous measures. At various times (1606-07) the Council of the
Indias deliberate on the question whether religious shall be permitted
to go to Japan via the Philippines. Certain objections to this are
stated (May 30, 1606); that the Japanese suspect the Spaniards of
desiring to conquer their country; that the constant flow of Mexican
silver to China should be stopped; that the Jesuits, who are already
established in Japan, desire to exclude the other orders from that
country; and that the Portuguese desire to keep out all Spaniards
from both Japan and China. The Council answer all these objections,
and recommend that religious be required to go to Japan via Manila,
but to embark there in Japanese, not Castilian, vessels. Ten months
later (March 31, 1607) the same matter is again brought forward; and,
as before, the Council of Portugal object to the entrance of Castilian
religious into Japan. The Council of the Indias oppose this view,
citing the profitable commerce of the Philippine Islands with Japan,
recently begun; the successful work of the religious orders there,
and the need of more missionaries in that broad field. They adhere to